Elizabeth Leland Fagan ("Liz") was born on August 29, 1941.  She passed away peacefully at age 82 in Denton, Texas on January 24, 2024, with her loving husband, James Stephen Fagan ("Jim"), by her side.

Liz was born and raised in Palestine, Texas. There she worked in her father's pharmacy as a youngster.  She then attended and graduated from (then) North Texas State University with a Batchelor of Arts degree in music in 1963. While there she married her first husband, John Arthur Barnard ("Buddy"), who preceded her in death.  She was an accomplished clarinet player in the band, both in high school and in college. "Liz" was a loving mother to their daughter, Carol, and a tremendous support to Buddy's career as a high school band director. She taught private clarinet lessons, imparting a lifelong love of music to many young people. She showed her tremendous strength and resilience after Buddy tragically ended his own life in a battle with depression.

She then went to work at Texas Woman's University Library, from which she ultimately retired.  While there she touched many lives by taking the time to be a good friend to students and co-workers. Her second chapter really took off when she met and ultimately married Jim Fagan on St. Patrick's Day in 1982. They began their lives together, along with Jim's son, Joshua Carl Fagan "Josh", and Liz's daughter Carol. Jim introduced her to sailing, snowshoeing and other adventures.  After finishing their careers and retiring in 1998, they enjoyed traveling in their Airstream trailer to beautiful places throughout much of the United States and Canada.  Buena Vista, Colorado, and the Oregon coast and mountains were two of their favorites, where they enjoyed hiking, fishing for trout, and meeting many interesting people. Liz always loved animals, and their Lhasa Apsos, Dolly and Bonnie, were spoiled just as they deserved to be! She also discovered a love for running, and that unleashed an amazing competitive streak.  She won many age group awards in local 5K and 10K races, and her enthusiasm for running was a joy to witness.  Liz had friendships that were deep and honest, and she was fiercely protective of everyone she loved. She and Jim regularly attended and supported First United Methodist Church in Denton.

Alzheimer's disease came like a thief, leading to a very difficult decline of her mental faculties, and ultimately a physical decline.  Jim was her steadfast advocate and protector, and never wavered in trying to do what was best for her, even to her last breath.

Liz is survived by Jim Fagan (husband); Carol and Kerry Ezell (daughter and son-in-law); Josh and Jade Fagan (stepson and daughter-in-law); grandchildren Sydney, Ethan, and Hudson Fagan; brother-in-law Mike Fagan; sister-in-law Melvina MacDonald; brother-in-law Eugine Wiley; nephews Will Dean and John Dean; and niece Kathy Wiley Strong.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Douthitt Anderson; her father, Emory Eugene Anderson; sister Mary Katherine Dean; brother-in-law Bill Dean; and sister-in-law Jeannine Wiley.

The family appreciates condolences and wishes to take time to consider further plans for celebrating her life. Those wishing to make donations to honor her memory may send them to the following:

Alzheimer's Association

225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17

Chicago, IL 60601

Online donations may be made at www.alz.org

First United Methodist Church

201 S. Locust St.

Denton, TX 76201